Photos: 'Lion whisperer' hugs and swims with African beasts

Animal behaviorist, Kevin Richardson, famously learned to communicate with beasts of prey as a pet -- he hugs, squeezes and kisses lions, hyenas, cheetahs and other predators. "That for me is true acceptance. I can lie down with them. I can sleep with them. I can interact with them as if I were a lion," says Richardson. "It's something I'd like the world to see." He has earned many nicknames, including 'the lion whisperer' and 'animal charmer.' Take a look.